Compression help

[roballanson]

I know no really EB bass related but perhaps I could be indulged for a little while.
Bought a Boss Compression pedal and just cannot seem to get the right settings.
Wondered if anyone out there has used one and can remeber the setting they used - just looking for a steer cos the manual is next to usless....

Cheers guys.....

 

[SteveB]

Rob,

I have the boss CS-3 Compressor footpedal and it's just awful. I've never found a useful set of parameters for that thing, so it just sits on my pedalboard taking up space.

 

[Mobay45]

I looked at the Boss but decided to go with the Aphex optical compressor. It only has two knobs and I figured that was something I could handle.

 

[oldbluebassman]

Rob I tried all sorts of compressor pedals - Boss, EBS, Tech 21 and none of them did it for me. The best I've found is the dbx 160A or 160X rack mount unit. Very easy to use but not cheap mind you.

I picked up an ART Levellar from ebay recently for about £35. This will compress or limit. Uses a valve/tube so it warms the signal up a bit too.

 

[roballanson]

Thanks chaps, confirms what I was thinking. I do like Boss stuff but this is terrible.

Right well Ebay for that then - getting fed up with it..

Anyone wanna buy a very little used Boss compression pedal (kidding)

 

[strummer]

Rob
I use an EBS multicomp, and also an ols Ibanez pedal I forget the name of. Both those pedals work wonderfully if used with moderation. I mean, for me it's mostly a matter of taming the wildest attacks when playing live, so I set it up with just a bit of compression. The Ibanez has a knob called attack or something, which I just twiddle until I don't hear any change in the initial attack when playing normally.
That way, if (when) I whack my bass with my fist or something, I avoid angry looks from the PA guy and fellow band members.
If you want to try one, I can ship you one or the other (probably best if you try the EBS, it's better).
Just PM me.

 

[Nickytwister]

Well I'd say if you're gonna do it then do it properly and get a DBX160A. They're pretty pricey but worth it if you want to get a good compressor.
To be fair it's really more of an issue with my old Fenders than it is with my Musicman basses - Stingrays and Bongos are fairly even across the neck.
Personally I wouldn't use a compressor which isn't mains powered - paranoid maybe but that's just what I think.
So get a DBX160A - put it through the effect loop of your amp, set at a ratio of between 2 or 3:1 on overeasy setting.
That'll definately be cool.

 

[0557]

comp

I use an Aphex punch factory. simple soft knee compression...

 

[Aussie Mark]

RNC is a great unit.

For compression on a bass guitar live, you need to be subtle. A little goes a long way.

 

[b-unit]

My Punch Factory is great. Not too pricey and adds a nice sparkle to finger taps while reeling in the low end. I use it with my old Workingman's 12 combo and it allows me to crack it up a bit more without farting.

B.

 

[boyet]

I'm using an Aphex Punch Factory. This is probably the best especially when you're using a high output bass like the Bongo.

 

[Gerk]

RNC is a great unit.

For compression on a bass guitar live, you need to be subtle. A little goes a long way.

Well said. It has long been a pet peeve of mine as a soundman and bassist when I get a signal that's so squahsed it's lost most of it's dynamic range Espeically on a fine bass like an EB

Mark

 

[Psycho Ward]

My best compressor is in my Steinberg “Mastering Edition” software, but that means using a computer and we all know the hell that can bring…

 

[Lazybite]

My best compressor is in my Steinberg “Mastering Edition” software, but that means using a computer and we all know the hell that can bring…

Yeah adding another thing to F up is probably a good thing.....

 

[Lazybite]

or not a good thing as it may be